Unpacking the Key Concept

Central idea, generalizations, the statement of inquiry is the statement of relationship between single concepts.

Single concepts in the unit include the key concepts and the related concepts.

What strategy supports students understanding of the key concept?

Here is one example

Teacher prepares two objects:

plastic transparent water bottle and soft pencil bag made by fabric

Teacher gives one key concept in the unit: form.

Teacher then asks students to share their thinking.

Students A: Water bottle looks tall and the pencil bag looks flat.

Student B: Water bottle looks transparent, and the pencil bag is with color.

Teacher then gives the other key concept: connection.

Teacher ask students to share their thinking.

Student A: They both are useful for students. We need both of them every day.

Student B: The plastic bottle has the gap, but the pencil bag has the zipper.

By the end, teacher gives the last key concept: perspective.

Teacher ask students to share their thinking.

Student A: I think using plastic is not good for environment.

Student B: I think the pencil bag looks nice.